A New Adventure | Peaches Prattlings

{March 7, 2016} Too cool, need to find this in more places

Tonight I did something different and fun.

I went to a place near my hotel called The Chocolate Bar. It’s a bar/restaurant that specializes in chocolate, as you might imagine. Drinks, food, dessert.

Mondays they have a promotion, Martinis abs Manis, buy a martini, get a free mani, fabulous? Yes! Wednesdays is Martinis abs Massages. It’s a hook and a gimmick, but it worked! Worth it, oh yeah!

They need to do this in more cities!

I found out about it from someone in one of my classes today, she was meeting a friend there herself. I had been wanting to go, I know, I don’t like chocolate, but I was curious.

I got there, ended up seeing the girl from class, we chatted while she word for get friend. The menu was extensive, well, the chocolate menu that is.

I ordered my first martini ever, chocolate and peanut butter. It tasted like a Resee peanut butter cup, except with vodka, um, not my thing, but I tried it. So I got a hot chocolate with amaretto, better. They had virgin martinis, but they were made with milk, oh well.

If you bite the ends off the chocolate stick, you can use it as a straw! That was tasty!

I ordered sweet potato fries with three sauces for dipping sauces, dark chocolate, which had a kick, rosemary butter and maple mayo, that was the best. I keep trying things, like chocolate to see if I like it, you know, tastes change! Not in this case!

Then I ordered a salad, very-berry, it was good, lots of berries and nuts in a giant martini glass! Tasty!

They had Willy Wonka in a loop in the bar, along with the I Love Lucy episode in the

chocolate

factory and some

episode of Sponge Bob selling chocolate on in the bathroom.

There were some interesting people at the bar while I was there, always fun to people watch.

Then it was my turn for a mani. The girl who did it talked 90 to nothin! She was very nice and chatty and when we talked about travel I asked if she traveled a lot, yup, to Florida and NYC all the time, but she wants more. I think she did a great job, it’s very dark green with a gold party nail, St Patty’s day is coming up, maybe this will give me a touch of luck!

Back to the hotel with my leftovers, way too much food! The valet and front desk were happy!

I wonder what my next adventure will be!!

{February 24, 2016} Why, yes, I am the energizer bunny…

Thank you for noticing.

I have been compared to the energizer bunny on more than one occasion. There are times it feels like I never stop moving, going, doing.

But when I teach, that’s what I feel like! I am on, I am going, I am all over the place, a bundle of energy, it’s awesome!

Hey, I have to keep you engaged, energized, entertained, we’re going to be together for two to four to maybe even sixteen hours, it doesn’t have to be a downer.

But sometimes, as soon as I’m done with a class, I’m done! I could probably take a nap!

I sit down and think about not getting up, maybe if I put my head down for just a minute…but then, the next class comes in and it’s like I’m starting all over, I’m up, I’m on, let’s go! Sort of wash, rinse, repeat.

I got the greatest compliment once, I was told that I made what could have been the longest sixteen hours of someone’s life fun and entertaining. That meant so much to me!

When will I see you in one of my classes?!

{February 20, 2016} What a day! Woosh

Back on skis for the first time this season.

The ski season has not been a very long one. Traditionally, it starts about October/November and should go through March/April. Not so this year. Apparently Mother Nature is not a skier. Or I should say, she might be a west coast skier, I get Colorado snow reports every weekend.

So, needless time say, I haven’t skied until today. As we talked about last night, I came up to NH with the families and this morning we suited up and went to Cannon Mountain. It’s a high and windy mountain and today, it student disappoint.

We got our lift tickets, put boots on abs away we went. On the way up in the express loft, express to the top, it got very windy abs EJS was not a fan, but we made it up and headed down the mountain. I will tell you, I wasn’t a huge fan, as there was a lot of ice and I’m not an ice skier, some people are, in not a fan of sliding and I don’t like the sounds of sliding and scraping over ice, that’s just me.

We are making our way down and have stopped for a moment and out of no where, someone comes barreling down, skis over MGS’ ski and plows into JT, knocks him down and actually breaks one of his ski poles! MGS lost a ski, it landed near GES. I immediately take off my skis and go to MGS, who is crying a lot at this point.

I held her while GES made her way back towards us. I checked and nothing was broken and I asked if she was hurt or just startled. Just startled, thank goodness. I rocked and cooed until mommy got there and took over. Get this…turns out that the guy who plowed into us was a ski instructor!

After a while, JT said he would ski with MGS between his skis. It took some doing, GES and I each had two sets of ski poles, but we made it down.

The only thing we were worried about was the girls not wanting to ski after this or being nervous and they’re both pretty good skiers. We got to the bottom and EJS and ACS were ready for more, MGS was not and then she was and away they went.

I have to tell you, so very proud of EJS and MGS for making it down and wanting to keep going, Champs I tell ya!

GES and I however, first got our lift ticket money back and since I now had $150 back, it was like found money, we went to the bar! GES had a beer and I had an amaretto hot chocolate, yum! Along with style Bavarian pretzels, we were set.

We had at least 45-one hour good quality sister time, then everyone came in for lunch. After lunch, they all went back on the slopes and GES and I enjoyed more sister bonding time.

After an hour it was time to head back to the house for relaxing, skating on the pond, and hot chocolate, kid friendly, maybe a nap or two. No technology though, it was nice. There was even some reading that had to be done.

Eventually we made dinner, then more games and off to sleep for the kids. The grown-ups stayed up to talk and use their technology, freedom! And now I’m talking to you!

All in all, an enjoyable day. Gotta get it all in, back to Buffalo tomorrow.

{February 18, 2016} It almost never happens!

As you know, I travel for work 100%.

With all that travel, you’d think I would run into people I know at an airport somewhere. The only people I run into are people I’ve been on projects with and that is rare.

Today, I ran into someone I know! And it’s someone I only met a few months ago. LI and I met at A&K’s friends holiday party around Christmas and then we saw each other again at her post New Years Eve party.

We were both at LaGuardia Airport and at the same gate. I was waiting for the 8pm flight and then managed to get on the 7pm flight. Same for her, we were both getting home an hour earlier, wahoo.

LI was standing across from me by the bar across from the gate. I was concentrating very hard on what I was working on and listening to Mama Mia, so I was slightly oblivious.

When I looked up finally, we saw each other and it was a treat! We caught up, laughed a lot, walked onto the plane together and texted until we took off and then when we landed. Walked to baggage claim together, outside, laughing most of the way.

The funny part was when we took a picture together and we were photo bombed! I sent the picture to PSM, he loved it.

We parted company with the promise of getting together sometime when I’m in Boston for the weekend.

That was fun!

{February 12, 2016} Work, uhaul, a visit, lots of laughs

Just another day in paradise!

The day started earlier than planned, not sure if I woke up on my own or the cold, wet nose on my face.

I got up, did work for a bit and then headed out to uhaul and to meet my fabulous and very strong friend CG who agreed to help me.

We drove to my sister’s house to get the trundle frame for my bed, now I’m sleeping up off the floor. As much as I like sleeping on the floor, very much like college and bohemian, it’s nice to sleep in a bed, feels different, I like the springs. I’ll give it some time, who knows if I’ll change my mind!

At my sister’s house, CG got to meet my sister when we picked up the bed, I always love when people can meet my sister, she’s so groovy.

After taking the bed frame to my place, we returned the uhaul, wet got some lunch. We laughed because we’ve been talking about getting together since we’ve known each other and now we’ve had two meals in less than a week! We have so much fun when we together!

After I got back to my place, I made the bed with my new bed covers, thanks dad! Then it was work, work, work.

After I knocked off for the day, it was back in the car, sat in traffic heading back to GES’ for shabbat dinner with the family and movie night, we watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

There was silliness, laughter and so much love and goofiness, the perfect evening. Then it was night-night, a quick catch up and back to my place, first night in my new bed, I’ll let you know how it goes.

{February 9, 2016} Another paint night!

I must be paint crazy!

Tonight, we had a team outing. We went painting at Buffalo’s Best Grill. Bar food, great when you’re hungry, but not as great if you’re not, you know, fried, greasy. But it was tasty you start!

We had a great time, laughing with each stroke. “Oh, I don’t like that” “I need to do that over!” “Ooh, that’s great!” It’s the same thing each time I do a class, I love it!

I like being able to do things like this with different people and groups. It’s also fun getting out with coworkers after long days.

{January 31, 2016} How do you celebrate your anniversary?

Has it really been a year?

I cannot believe it! I’ll tell you more about that later, tonight I just want to share how we spent our day.

It started a little early. One of the things PSM said last night was “awesome, i have a reason to sleep in tomorrow!” Then he remembered that he was going to chat via FaceTime with JM, his nephew, at SIX am! It was good to see him and PSM’s brother, SM. We got to see Mollie, but she was not to be bothered, in sure she was just putting up a brave front for PSM!

We went back to sleep for a bit, then got up and went to Longboard’s for breakfast. Longboard’s is one of the restaurants at the Marriott vacation club hotel. Nice view for breakfast, wouldn’t you say?

We went back to the house to regroup and headed out. We were going to tour the east side of Oahu after we took my rental car back.

We missed a turn or exit and ended up somewhere fabulous! The Hunauma Educational and Environmental Nature preserve, what a gem!

It’s made up of coral reefs that have amazing life swimming and living in it and you have to be careful you don’t disturb anything by touching it.

We even got a treat of seeing humpback whales in the distance! I got some video, unfortunately, I can’t seem to upload it, sorry.

We walked the beach and sat under the palm trees, took the tram up and back, rough life.

After we enjoyed ourselves for quite a bit, we decided to go to a movie. It was one of my ruses for my surprise this weekend. I suggested we go to the movies at the same time and keep our phones connected, he loved the idea, now we could just go together! Even better.

We went to see Kung Fu Panda III, which we both really liked. And since it came out Friday, perfect ploy of mine!

After dinner we went to the marina across the way and had dinner on the water at Kona Brewing Company, another fabulous view. How am I going to leave tomorrow?

Not a bad way up celebrate one year together. What a year!

My flight doesn’t leave until 10pm tomorrow, what fun will we have? I’ll let you know!

{January 30, 2016} Was he surprised? You bet your sweet bippie!

I did it! I pulled off the surprise of the year! Literally!

We are one month into 2016, so technically, that is a true statement!

Tomorrow is a very special day, it was one year ago, PSM and I went on our very first date. Will I tell you more tomorrow, of course, but tonight…

As you know, PSM moved to Hawaii on the 15th and the one question everyone keeps asking…”do you know when you first trip will be” and the answer, which I could never say in front of him is “YES!” I already had it planned out!

Now, even though I knew what I wanted to do, I couldn’t book flights until I knew where I would be for work. As soon as I found out the schedule, I booked my flights to Hawaii right away.

I was trying to figure out how to work it out and ensure he would be there! He has to travel to the other Islands for work and yesterday was his first. If he told me that he would be staying for more than an overnight, I would have had to tell him, but I was in luck!

I was trying to get him in one place so I could surprise him, where would he be? I suggested a weekend virtual date..spend time together via phone and Skype this weekend. He bought it!

We’d “go to dinner”, watch a movie, all over two different ends of the country. How are we going to that he asked. Watch the movie and have our phones connected in the theater. DoubtingThomas, but he agreed.

Luckily, we don’t have to try that this weekend! I got in about 1pm, picked up my rental car, then went for a drive. North shore for lunch, then I tried to get a mani/pedi from the same place when I was here last. 20 minutes later, no parking, so up towards PSM’s place, he should be home soon.

I did go to get a mani, no time for a pedi, off to find him at the bar on the golf course. “So, what’s the name of the place? I just want to look it up and picture where you are” awesome!

I called him as I was walking into the restaurant and asked him if he could have anything for his anniversary, what would it be? He told me earlier in the week, just seeing me, awe, love that!

As I was along, I tapped him on the shoulder and the look on his face…priceless!! Surprised doesn’t cut it!

We’ve spend the rest of the day holding hands, staring at each other, hugging and kisses, it’s been fabulous!

So much to do, so little time, so…I will bid you a fine adieu and go back to staring at my beau, gotta make it last!

Happy one year my love, here’s to the next and the next and the next. Uh oh, how do I top this??

{January 18, 2016} Legos at the Mall!

Go see this! Well, if you’re on Staten Island.

The Lego Americana Roadshow is at The Staten Island Mall January 16-31. http://www.statenisland-mall.com/en/events/LEGO.html

This is a very cool exposition that is traveling around the country. The tour is about ten iconic buildings and architectural structures throughout
the mall made entirely of LEGO® bricks! This was fantastic!

I la la la love legos, I am fascinated by what people can create. Some of these structures took 320 to 800 hours to create, amazing!

Dad and I were at Costco this morning because how else do you start a day off? Costco, of course! We saw the sign and thought it would be fun, so a few hours later we headed to the Staten Island Mall and checked out this fabulous and free exhibition!

If you have time, kids, no kids, teach kids, don’t teach kids, feel like a kid, go see this! Worth the trip! Thanks dad!

Do you recognize them all?

The flags!

Look at the details!

Down to the crack! Fabulous!

Lincoln himself would be pleased!

Just for fun…

And in case you’re not sure which monument was which, here are some great posters with details about the buildingand the Lego build.

In case you go, here’s the map.

{January 16, 2016} What a mitzvah!

An amazing day today!

Today, I got to witness a true mitzvah. The literal translation for mitzvah is commandment. It’s also known as doing a good deed, is a mitzvah when you help others, making your parents proud is a mitzvah.

Today, the daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends from high school became bat mitzvah. She took her place in the congregation, she became an adult, can be part of a minion. Not the little yellow minions we know and love, a minion is a meeting and by Jewish law, you need ten people to make a minion and now, she can be counted as part of that ten.

It is a big step to become bar [son of] or bat [daughter of] mitzvah. You have to study Hebrew for years, learn the prayers, learn to read from the Torah, write a speech, just to give you a little insight.

I got to the synagogue and found CGS, we hugged and caught up for a minute, then went into the sanctuary and took some photos, I got to see the kids and then she was off and running. I found a seat and then our friend FCS arrived with her mom. She is the friend from high school I told you I ran/walked with during the Brooklyn half marathon back in October.

We sat together and caught up and then it was time to start. SHS, the bat mitzvah, lead the service with the rabbi, what a great job. Eventually, it was time for her to read from the Torah and she did it beautifully.

After the Torah and haf-torah, she gave a speech, very sweet and poignant. There were presentations by the family and the temple and then it was over. Mazel Tov!

After the bat mitzvah, it was time to celebrate and celebrate we did! Food, drinks, I went a little crazy…two shirley temples, I know, hold yourself back! Dancing, chair lifting and dessert, what more could you ask for?

I remember when I found out CGS was pregnant with SHS. CGS had been pregnant at my wedding and wore this great dress, stretchy material. She called to tell me she wore the dress again and that was how she told me she was pregnant with SHS, pretty cool.

It’s been such a treat to watch CGS’ kids grow up, all very bright and funny and sweet with parents who really love them, very lucky. I can’t wait for the next one, have five years to go there!

What a mitzvah! And I am so thrilled that I got to be a part of it, a blessing.

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